Rabbi Barry Dov Katz has served the Bronx community at the Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale (CSAIR) since 1998. At CSAIR, he works with lay leaders to build a vibrant urban synagogue known for its welcoming, educational programs, and vibrant Shabbat community. Rabbi Katz focuses on environmental sustainability, inclusion of people with disabilities, welcoming LGBTQ individuals and families, creating connections between Jewish 20’s and 30’s in the Bronx, and building meaningful relationships with Israel.

Since 2007, Rabbi Katz has served as an Adjunct Lecturer of Professional and Pastoral Skills at the Jewish Theological Seminary. Under Rabbi Katz’s leadership, CSAIR forged an identity as a teaching shul where rabbinical students serve as interns, learning about congregational life and enriching the community with their passion and skills. He taught at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires for many summers and, most recently, coordinated the work of the Israeli Mishlachat.

Rabbi Katz is active in interfaith and interracial community work in the Bronx and partners with Jewish leaders in Riverdale to help create positive relationships between the synagogue communities. Rabbi Katz was recognized by Tablet Magazine as one of “15 American Rabbis You Haven’t Heard Of, But Should;” in September 2014. In 2015, he was named by the Forward Newspaper as one of “America’s Most Inspiring Rabbis.”

Rabbi Katz is a Senior Hartman Rabbinic Fellow as a graduate of the Rabbinic Leadership Initiative (RLI) fellowship, cohort VII. He currently serves as the RLI Senior Mentor and facilitates and guides the RLI VIII cohort.

Barry enjoys reading novels in Hebrew and English, gardening, walking in Jerusalem, and drinking coffee with friends. He is a sofer stam and recently competed writing his second Megillat Esther.

Barry is married to Shoshi Talesnick. They have three children.